BFI Dismisses Anurag Thakur's Candidacy Amid Controversy

The Boxing Federation of India has declared Anurag Thakur ineligible for the upcoming elections, sparking controversy regarding electoral participation. Despite being on the Himachal Pradesh Boxing Association's nominee list, Thakur was rejected due to alleged non-compliance with governing codes, amidst counterclaims from his supporters asserting his eligibility.

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has ruled former Sports Minister Anurag Thakur ineligible for inclusion in its electoral college in upcoming federation elections, set for March 28. Thakur, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha MP, was aiming to run for BFI presidency but was disqualified based on regulatory infringements.

The Himachal Pradesh Boxing Association (HPBA) proposed Thakur, alongside President Rajesh Bhandari, but the BFI stated Thakur failed to meet criteria laid out in the National Sports Development Code of 2011 and a recent BFI notice. The March 7 directive stated only bona fide and duly elected members may represent state units.

Despite HPBA insisting on Thakur's legitimacy as an elected executive council member, the BFI maintains its stance, referencing past state election records. This has led to heightened tensions, further complicated by legal battles and an impending election deadline.